Cheteshwar Pujara to lead Steve Smith in County Cricket before WTC final at The Oval

Steve Smith to play under the leadership of Cheteshwar Pujara in County Cricket.

Away from the IPL action in India, two men are waiting for everyone for the cricket’s newborn baby, World Test Championship final in England. When most of the players are busy showcasing their skills in the T20 format, these two are trying their level best to get ready for the World Test Championship final. Cheteshwar Purjara is currently part of Sussex County and plays red-ball cricket in England. Now, he will be joined by Steve Smith from Australia in the Sussex dressing room. Smith will be eyeing two big events that are scheduled in England in the next three months.

Steve Smith to join Sussex squad this week

The Australian batter will be joining the Sussex squad before their game against Worcestershire at New Road. Smith’s decision is seen as his preparation for the World Test Championship final and for the Ashes as well. Cheteshwar Pujara is already part of the Sussex squad as Captain, now Smith’s arrival will make Sussex's top-order stronger than ever with Pujara batting at 3 and Smith batting at 4. Both these players have scored heavily in the English conditions. Pujara has also shared his excitement as Smith is joining the team. He said, “So far most of the time we have played against each other, it’s never for the same team. So it will be exciting”.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith joining the Sussex squad has raised a debate in England Cricket. As it is the Ashes year and Steve Smith is already a big threat in tests. Fans are raising questions about county cricket being too accommodating to the Aussie guys. Australia are the current Ashes trophy holder, they beat England by 4-0 early in 2022. For arch rivals, Smith’s gaining experience in international cricket. Smith has scored an average of almost 60 in English conditions. He has played 16 tests and has scored 1727 runs with 6 centuries in 30 innings.

Indian batter, Cheteshwar Pujara has also done nicely for Sussex. He is leading the Sussex squad and has scored 2 centuries in 5 innings for Sussex. Pujara 115 against Durham and 151 runs against Bristol. Apart from County cricket, Pujara has struggled to score runs in English conditions. Pujara has scored 829 runs in 30 innings in England’s swing and heavy conditions. India will take on Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval from 7th June. The Ashes will begin from 16th June.